I've never seen this film. Part of the reason is because I love the score so much that I fear the film can't live up to it. Having been through 34 cuts and 5 test screenings before debuting at Sundance, I can't imagine that the finished product isn't effective. For me, however, it's perfect study and writing music as-is: beautiful, non-intrusive, and folksy while conveying the mournfulness of having gone through an ordeal but knowing the world will continue on the other side of it.

Together with bandmate Warren Ellis (the two have performed with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds since 1984), Cave has constructed a dreamy Western world that is both familiar (with hints of banjo, piano, and strains of Ennio Morricone) and innovative (providing familiar melodies throughout with pulsating moments of tension usually found in straight dramas). The mood is intimate which reflects the on-screen struggle between the two title characters. Doleful violins (Ellis' contribution) coax longing from the listener while piano (Cave) reassures of present reality.

The opening track, "Rather Lovely Thing," introduces the progression that will become familiar and tether the narrative; "Cowgirl" and "Carnival" are pokey, saloon-inspired raw versions of a lullaby or waltz; "The Money Train" quickly pulls the listener back to the action where stakes are suddenly high and continues through "What Happens Next." A respite is granted in "Destined For Great Things" and we arrive at a satisfying reprise of the main theme in "Song For Bob." This sophomore effort is the strongest collaboration from the pair thus far.

"Music From the Motion Picture The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" by Nick Cave & Warren Ellis is available for free streaming on Spotify.

Track Listing01. Rather Lovely Thing (3:13)02. Moving On (2:32)03. Song For Jesse (2:35)04. Falling (2:54)05. Cowgirl (4:05)06. The Money Train (2:38)07. What Must Be Done (1:57)08. Another Rather Lovely Thing (3:28)09. Carnival (2:52)10. Last Ride Back To KC (5:24)11. What Happens Next (2:08)12. Destined For Great Things (2:26)13. Counting The Stars (1:19)14. Song For Bob (6:03)